Insider: MB&F Octopod Clock in Collaboration with L'Epée 1839. Hands-on with the 50-Piece Limited Edition in three colors.

Available in three limited editions of 50 pieces each in black PVD, blue PVD, and palladium, the new MB&F Octopod Clock measures 11 inches —28 centimeters— long by 11 inches high while standing and 17.7 inches —45 centimeters— long by 8.6 inches —22 centimeters— high while crouching. Extremely heavy with a total weight of 4.2 kilos —approximately 9.25 pounds—, this collaboration with L'Epée 1839 is the latest addition to the family of clocks released by the brand in the past years.

The Clock's Construction

Taking its inspiration from an octopus, the MB&F Octopod clock features 468 parts in a kinetic sculpture and a transparent bubble filled with traditional horology. Conceived by MB&F and manufactured by Switzerland's premier clock maker, L’Epée 1839, the Octopod clock can stand or crouch thanks to its eight articulated legs. with a completely transparent spherical head, the MB&F Octopod’s eight-day movement is an entirely new development by L’Epée 1839 that includes a rotating escapement located on the minute hand. Additionally, Octopod’s transparent sphere is gimballed in a similar way to how traditional ship chronometers were gimballed —although on one axis rather than two— to ensure that no matter what angle or height it sits, it is easy to rotate the bubble so that the time display inside is at the ideal plane for maximum legibility.

Each leg can be individually adjusted to varying heights, enabling Octopod to rest securely on the most uneven of surfaces, just like a real octopus.

The Movement & Escapement

Featuring an escapement that is located on its minute hand rather than the more usual —and mechanically simpler— position attached to stationary movement plates. Suspended inside its crystalline sphere, the baseplate of the movement is a transparent glass plate that has been treated with a film of anti-reflective coating on both sides so that it is virtually invisible. Like an octopus concealing parts of itself with camouflage, Octopod conceals parts of itself with visual tricks of its own. Octopod’s eight-day movement is an entirely new development by L’Epée 1839, with both the glass baseplate and counterbalanced regulator posing particular challenges.

Pricing

A stunning object of décor and horological indulgence that once again brings the best from MB&F and clock maker L'Epée 1839. For the price, very few clocks will look this good in your home or your office.